With 321 million active Twitter users, over 1 billion Instagram accounts and 2.41 billion Facebook profiles worldwide, it is easy to see why people are asking the question; “What happens to my online presence after I die?”
For what appears to be a simple question there are few who have an answer and certainly not a universal answer as it appears to vary depending on the type of online account you hold.
One question you can answer is; “What do I want to happen to my online presence after I die?”
Do you want it to die with you, transfer to someone else or even remain active?
There are some calls to say that the actual platforms could take ownership of all of the data held on their respective sites, but this it would seem is unlikely to be a popular position. Surveys show that fewer than one in ten people would want their social media accounts to remain online following their death, however, very few people actually have their digital affairs in order.
Arranging online affairs is a growing industry and there are now a number of companies offering services and tools for individuals to make their wishes known or in some cases, download digital Will templates designed to accommodate the terms of service for all social media platforms.
There are other, more immediate steps that you can take to tidy up your digital estate, as some social media channels, have the option of appointing a person to look after your account.
It doesn’t end at social media. With online banking, email, domain names, gambling logins, crypto currency accounts, Paypal etc. the list is seemingly endless and many people are unprepared for how this should be handled after death.
Much of your digital estate can be dealt with by your personal representatives, but as with most things, it helps to have a plan in place and if you’re getting your affairs in order, it certainly helps to have a Will in place.
At Ramsdens we are no strangers to assisting clients to plan for the future. If you would like to discuss how we can, please contact our expert Private Client team 0800 988 3650, email willsandprobate@ramsdens.co.ukor text LAW to 67777